diff --git a/Strategic/PreBattle Interface.cpp b/Strategic/PreBattle Interface.cpp
index 72ec674af..53df0d35a 100644
--- a/Strategic/PreBattle Interface.cpp	
+++ b/Strategic/PreBattle Interface.cpp	
@@ -2141,6 +2141,13 @@ void PutNonSquadMercsInPlayerGroupOnSquads( GROUP *pGroup, BOOLEAN fExitVehicles
 						// because if this is a simultaneous group attack, the mercs could be coming from different sides, and the
 						// placement screen can't handle mercs on the same squad arriving from difference edges!
 						fSuccess = AddCharacterToSquad( pSoldier, bUniqueVehicleSquad );
+						{
+							bUniqueVehicleSquad = GetFirstEmptySquad();
+							if (bUniqueVehicleSquad != -1)
+							{
+								fSuccess = AddCharacterToSquad(pSoldier, bUniqueVehicleSquad);
+							}
+						}
 					}
 					//CHRISL: So what's supposed to happen in the merc is assigned to a vehicle but fExitVehicles is FALSE?
 					else